Turkey Creek Nature Preserve is a tranquil space that sprawls across 466 acres (188.58 hectares) in Pinson, near Birmingham. Blessed with nature's ethereal beauty, the preserve is truly a spectacular oasis dotted with little natural wonders. With its history dating back to the time when it was home to a Native American settlement, the area has witness the development of the region over the years, while being a tranquil refuge in itself. Visit the park with your family to explore its network of trails, admire the surreal green scenery of its landscape, observe the vibrant wildlife, swim in the crystal-clear waters, or try your hand at fishing.
A hands-on science museum, the McWane Science Center allows visitors to test physics principles, explore aquatic habitats, simulate space exploration and more. Interactive exhibits allow you to make your own animated movie, build a roller coaster or ride a bicycle along a wire 30 feet above the ground! There is also the IMAX Theater, a gift shop, and a food court that offers a variety of fast food and snack options. See website for event calendar, movie showtime, admission details and more.
Arlington Antebellum Home and Gardens, the city's only antebellum mansion, offers tours featuring its collection of 19th-century furniture and decorative arts. The building is a grand example of the Greek Revival architecture that was prominent in the 1840s. A tearoom is available, and the gardens are a beautiful site and backdrop for weddings and other special events. Call ahead for admission details.
Housed in a former rail depot, the Bessemer Hall of History is a local museum dedicated to the historical heritage of Bessemer city. Opened in 1916, the museum building itself is added to the National Register of Historic Places. Artifacts pertaining to the city's history and daily life of its locals give you an insight into the bygone era.
Alabaster Municipal Park is home to the famous annual Alabaster Cityfest. It features athletic fields, basketball and tennis courts, pavilions, picnic spots, a playground, restrooms and a snack bar. It also hosts regular soccer matches as well.
Cradled in Downtown Birmingham, the Civil Right District is the center point of the state's long-standing history. The very site where several important events of the Civil Rights Movement were birthed, this historic district sprawls across six blocks. The district has witnessed many of the most significant happenstances of the Birmingham arm of the movement, including the fateful bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church. Kelly Ingram Park, which is also a part of the district, was the location of many demonstrations during the Civil Rights Movement. Numerous sculptures in the park commemorate the historical protests. Some of the most important sites in the district include the statue of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the Carver Theater, which has now been transformed into a live music venue, and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. Harboring several historical sites, the Civil Rights District reads out America's most significant chapter out loud.